Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1887-10-28
Seth's Elephant.
How He Found it--A Sketch
With a Moral.

How He Found it---A Sketch
With Moral.
Seth Applebee was one of the
smartest Young men in Pumpton.
At the age of eight-andtwenty he
bad established himself in business.
Before that he had been clerk and
salesman in the principal store of the
town-a common country store keep
ing for sale about everything the
housekeeper or farmer can reed to
purchase; and the store which be
had opened, on his own hook, was OF
the same character An aged aunt
bad done much toward helping him
in the outset so that he might bagin
business with his head above board.
"There, Seth; take that, and make
the very best use of it you can," the
good old lady said, at the same time
giving to her nephew check for a
large amount-large for her; anc
large for him-a check for him-s
check of four figures, and the first fig
ure was not one. "You are going
to New York to purchase goods !?
Eyes, aunt, | wish to make my
own selection. And, further. to tel
the truth, want to see the elephant
| Dou't be alarmed He's very limo
cent animal, / assure you. use the
term fguratively, simply meaning
that | will see few of the sights as
my own master, with nobody at my
elbo W to tell me what | must do, OF
where ] must 60. / fancy it will be
rather pleasant
"Seth, you will take care of your
self. You will not allow your feet
to stray into any Of the snares and
pitfalls which evil-minded men are
ever ready to dig for the unwary
You will be careful"
"You bet? Aunt Patience, you're
a trump; and l know you mean well
You would do anything for me, dc
believe, and | can't wonder that you
should feel bit anxious; but don't
you worry - not one bit. Dear aun
ty, let me tell you | have cut my
eye teeth. The man that can raise
a raise hand on me isn't up and
about, not quite yet.
"What dye mean, Seth, by 'raisin
hand' on your"
20, that is technical term, aunt,
signifying to take one i1-to pull
wool over ones ey es; but do be per
fectly easy"
From this it will be seen that Seth
had travelled somewhat outside the
boundary of bis Sabbath-school; and
whether he had associated with sport
ing characters, or not, their language
had become familiar to him. One
other thing will be seen: If Seth
was smart, nobody had a irmer faith
in the fact than he had himself
On Monday morning, bright and
early, Seth looked to be sure that
his check was safe in his pocket book;
tEen he took out the baak-notes that
lay in another pocket and ran them
over, to make sure that all was right.
Eight hundred dollars That was
the sum be had put in there on Sat
urday, and he found it intact. The
book was put away in a deep breast.
pocket of his vest, and buttoned
snugly up. His money for current
expenses he carried in a small wallet,
in pocket of his pants. He was too
old bird-had cut too much eye
tooth-to e4pose large amount of
money in public or on the road.
Seth Applebee landed in NeT
York, on the North river side, just al
close of day, and taking his ligh'
grip-sack in his hand, he shou!dered
and elbowed the swarmiug Jehus
out of his path, and made his way on
foot TO the hotel where he had stop
ped two years before, while on a
visit to the city with his employer.
His memory was good, and be had
no trouble. The house was just as he
had last seen it, and the genial land
lord received him most kindly. In
fact, Seth fnncied the man was spec
tally glad to see him. He evidently
ly remembered him, and was proud
OF his patronage. If be was not
then his every word and act beliec
him.
Seth took the key of his room, and
went up with u porter to the hftf
floor. 1t was very high up; but
| what q view he would have in the
morning!
After supper Seth sat down ant
took up an evening paper. lie
thought he would look for the places
of amusement within easy reach
He was thus engaged when he be
came aware that somebody hat
come up and stopped directly'in from
of him. He looked up. and saw O
neatly dressed, business looking man
of middle age, with face winsomt
and handsome. The two eyes, from
behind pair of gold.rimmed glasses
looked at him sweetly, with a warm
kindly smile playing around them.
"Am | addressing Mr.. Applebee
of Pumpton?"
Seth did not intend to be imposed
upon. Not he. He would have m
sharpers picking him up.
That's my name, sir" he replied
crisply, giving the man cool, almos
9 contemptuous look.
II was sure Of it," the gentlemen
went on, taking no notice of the in
tended repulse. "And | am sure Of
another thing: ! saw you here two
years ago. Am | not right?
Seth was really surprised. He dit
not know the pan bad been nea
enough to overhear him when he
mentioned to the host the circum
stance of his former visit.
Certainly, sir. ] was here tw
years ago"
$50 was I. At that | was livini
in Albany; but a year ago l removed
to this city, where / have establish
ed good business II you ar
thinking Of purchasing goods, yo'
might find it to your advantage T.
give me call. AT all events, 20
can look in and see me. Will yo